Unwind and Get Back to Nature at Guadalupe Mountains National Park on Your Next Texas Camping Trip

Isolated and remote, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is the perfect place to unwind and get back in touch with nature. The park contains the world’s best example of a fossilized reef, white gypsum sand dunes, forests, desert, mountain terrain, and even some springs and creeks. While at first glance, Guadalupe Mountains National Park appears barren and empty, that cannot be further from the truth. A few steps into the park will reveal thousands of species of plants and animals that have adapted to the harsh land. There is a rich geological history to be explored in the fossilized reef and rocks that fill the park. Life blossoms and grows all around. This beautiful and rich park is a wonderful, well kept secret, making it a terrific Texas camping spot!

Summer here tends to be hot although late summer monsoons often bring thunderstorms, making nights cooler even in the middle of summer. Fall is mild and calm. Winter and early spring are colder, and snow storms, freezing rain and fog are common. High wind warnings are usually in effect winter through spring. The park is open year round and there is a $5 per person fee for adults 16 and over, which is good for seven days. An annual pass costs $20. The annual inter-agency pass costs $80 and grants access to most national parks.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park boasts over 80 miles of hiking trails that take you through diverse landscapes that include desert, forests, mountains and canyons. Fall is a terrific time for hiking with calm, mild weather and fall colors are everywhere. When night falls, you will find a crisp and pristine night sky stretched out above you. Over 11,000 stars and the Milky Way are easily viewable in the park. While wildlife is very diverse in the park, wildlife viewing can be a bit difficult. Many of the animals that have adapted to the harsh terrain spend their days hiding or blending in. However, with over 300 species of birds in the park, bird watching is always a wonderful past time. Salt Basin Dunes covers nearly 2,000 acres, ranging from heavily vegetated mini mounds to large, wind blasted 60 foot dunes. Rich in human history spanning back 10,000 years, remnants of lives long passed can still be found. Pictographs, ranches, old stage coach stations are just some pieces in a long string of human history. With so much to see and explore, Guadalupe Mountains National Park truly is a wonderful Texas camping destination!